In Paracale, Camarines Norte, a blind father named Vino, aged 52, dives into flooded pits to mine gold, driven by a desire to provide for his family’s needs, especially his child’s education. Despite the dangers associated with small-scale mining in the gold-rich soil of Paracale, Vino, referred to as a “bosero,” braves the depths using a compressor and a narrow hose for breathing, facing risks like equipment failure and the perilous conditions underground.
Vino’s life changed dramatically in 2018 when he lost his sight due to glaucoma, possibly exacerbated by his mining activities. Despite the darkness that enveloped his world, leading to despair and thoughts of worthlessness, he continues to mine, motivated by the love for his family and the hope for a better future for his child.
The process of mining involves selecting a site, excavating the earth, and filling the resultant pit with water to continue the search for gold. The extracted soil is then sifted in the hopes of finding precious metal. Despite the challenges and the risk of being deceived by peers due to his disability, Vino persists, aided by his wife who guides him to the mining site.
This story, covered in “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” highlights the resilience and determination of a father facing extraordinary challenges to ensure the well-being and future of his family.